Ilha Grande: Some of the most beautiful and unexplored beaches in Brazil are here

One of the first things visitors will notice about Ilha Grande is that there are no vehicles. Local government prohibits private cars, maintaining the relaxed rhythms Islanders say are central to their identity.

Roads of dirt and sand that run parallel to the many beaches, however, often have travelers: dozens of crabs running through a leisurely pace that only accelerates if a human approaches.

Before colonization, the island was called Ipaum Guaçu by the native Tamoios that inhabited it, which means great island in Guarani tupi. The island is part of a group of 187 islands and is the largest of the coast of the River. There, you will find 192 km² of lush vegetation, typical of the Atlantic jungle, guarded by the

Area of ​​Environmental Protection of the Tamoios and other three protected areas: State Park Marinho do Aventureiro, State Park of Ilha Grande and Biological Reserve of Praia do Sul.

Among the main local attractions are the Pico do Papagaio, with a panoramic view of the island; The Cachoeira da Feiticeira, much sought after by adventurers who practice rappelling; El Faro de Castelhanos, one of the oldest on the Brazilian coast; The Cave of Acaiá, where you can see the phenomenon of fluorescence when the sun hits the water in the underground room; The Largo Verde with transparent waters that reveal a fascinating diving with many colorful fish; The Blue Lagoon, with varied species of fish, molluscs and corals; And the beach of Lopes Mendes, chosen as one of the 10 most beautiful beaches in Brazil by the Beaches of travelers 2014.